Bayonne's police chief taking oath today, starting 33rd year on force

Ralph Scianni, the acting chief of the Bayonne Police Department since the retirement of former chief Robert Kubert in late May, will be sworn in as the new chief this morning at City Hall.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Council Chambers in City Hall, 630 Avenue C.

“Chief Scianni has had an outstanding police career. He has 32 years of experience, and has handled a great variety of police cases and public safety issues since 1980,” Bayonne Mayor Mark A. Smith said in a statement.

“The Police Department and the entire community will benefit from his knowledge, experience and leadership.”

Scianni, 58, is a lifelong Bayonne resident and today’s swearing-in ceremony begins his 33rd year with the department.

Scianni declined to comment yesterday about his promotion.

A graduate of Bayonne High School in 1972, Scianni obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and organization at St. Peter’s College in 1977.

In 2002, he earned a master’s degree in human resources and training development at Seton Hall University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

He joined the department on Sept. 6, 1980.

Scianni served in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Narcotics Division, the Detectives Bureau, and the Community Oriented Policing Unit before he was promoted to sergeant on May 31, 1989.

Scianni was promoted to lieutenant in 1994, captain in 1997, and to deputy chief in 2005.